Top Handheld Gaming Devices for 2025 Reviewed and Compared

Handheld gaming devices have surged in popularity in 2025, offering gamers a wide spectrum of options from high-powered portable PCs to specialized emulation consoles. This comprehensive review explores the top handhelds available, their strengths, limitations, and the evolving market landscape.

Leading Portable Gaming PCs: Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally X

Valve's Steam Deck remains the benchmark for handheld gaming PCs, balancing price, performance, and usability. The OLED model enhances visuals with a 7.4-inch HDR display, longer battery life, and a 90Hz refresh rate, ideal for a wide range of Steam games and emulation. Meanwhile, the ASUS ROG Ally X offers superior raw power with a Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 1080p 120Hz display, and Windows 11 OS, enabling access to multiple game clients and high-end titles, albeit with some software quirks and a higher price point.

Both devices cater to gamers seeking modern AAA experiences on the go, with the Steam Deck offering a more user-friendly Linux-based environment and the ROG Ally X providing Windows flexibility and enhanced performance for demanding titles.

Android-Based Emulation Handhelds: Retroid Pocket 5 and AYN Odin 2

For retro gaming enthusiasts, the Retroid Pocket 5 and AYN Odin 2 stand out as affordable, powerful Android handhelds optimized for emulation. The Retroid Pocket 5, priced at $219, excels at running PS2 and GameCube titles with a vibrant 5.5-inch OLED screen, though it requires significant setup for optimal performance. The AYN Odin 2, starting at $299, offers a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, superior battery life, and ergonomic design, delivering smoother gameplay and less tinkering.

Both devices support cloud streaming and native Android games, making them versatile options for players who prioritize classic titles and portability over the latest PC or console releases.

Premium Retro Experience: Analogue Pocket

The Analogue Pocket offers a premium, near-perfect hardware emulation of Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges. Its high-resolution 3.5-inch LCD and FPGA-based architecture deliver authentic gameplay and visuals. While pricier and less versatile than Android handhelds, it appeals strongly to collectors and purists who value physical cartridges and fidelity.

Market Dynamics and Challenges

The handheld gaming market faces challenges including tariffs and shipping restrictions affecting Chinese-made devices, which may increase prices and limit availability in the US. Additionally, Windows-based handhelds struggle with OS optimization, impacting user experience. Meanwhile, emulation devices require technical know-how and legal caution regarding ROM usage. Despite these hurdles, innovation continues with new models and software updates enhancing performance and usability.

Choosing the Right Handheld for Your Gaming Needs

Gamers seeking modern PC titles and broad game library access should consider the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally X, balancing budget and performance preferences. Retro enthusiasts focused on emulation will find value in the Retroid Pocket 5 and AYN Odin 2, with trade-offs between cost, ease of use, and power. For collectors of classic cartridges, the Analogue Pocket offers unmatched authenticity. Understanding these options helps gamers make informed decisions aligned with their play styles and priorities.

As the handheld gaming landscape evolves, staying informed about hardware capabilities, software support, and market trends is crucial for maximizing your gaming experience.